(Y/N) POV:

Needless to say going back to the apartment is bittersweet; one part of me had been exulting with the thought and prospect of being reunited with Gyeomie and yet another part of me was crestfallen about leaving my mates behind. They had been unwilling to let me go too but we weren't at that stage where their nest had become mine- we were still navigating the early stages of our bond, still learning more about each other day by day.

And yet I was surprised when all seven of them offered to drop me home- and even when I'd dropped the news on them that not all of them needed to protect me, one of them would suffice- to say that it had been a bombshell was a bit of an understatement. It turned out that not all of them knew the ins and outs of the vision but that hadn't stopped the chaos that had erupted.

"You knew?!" Jin oppa demanded, voice slightly high- eyes wide with being caught out, a deer in the headlights.

I giggled at the expressions the others sported- the sound somehow easing the startled looks, unfroze the statues.

And they had been quick to apologise- for keeping me in the dark but I'd waved off their apologies and as we'd left I hadn't missed the sheer relief on several faces.

But despite the unwillingness to part, they make sure to make the journey back home full of chatter and promises to meet up- going so far to plan the next day despite having lessons and it being less than 24 hours that we'll have to be apart- I can't deny that their eagerness makes my heart flutter though.

And when they walk me up I don't even get the chance to slide my key into the lock because the door is being flung wide open, the resounding crash it makes against the wall a distant sound because Gyeomie is standing there. Gyeomie with his adorably tall frame and sweet smile. Gyeomie with his twinkling eyes and long arms that wrap me into a perfect embrace. And it's Gyeomie who wrestles himself out of JB oppa's grip behind him and flings himself at me- scooping me up and swaying as he holds me, neck deeply nestled against the crook of my neck- breathing deeply and sighing with relief; as if these past few days he had been a tightly coiled spring and now all that pent-up force has been released.

I feel slightly guilty for not having thought of him as much as I'd thought, for being so immersed and occupied by my mates' presence but there's nothing but relief and joy as he sets me down and runs a carefully scrutinising eye over me. And then his eyes comically widen as he takes in the fact that all seven of them are standing behind me.

He takes a deep breath in, as if filling his lungs in with sufficient air so he can explode and I'm right.

"You bonded with all seven?!" he screeches, eyes flashing red with his surprise and the bewilderment in his voice bursts the silence that follows because the incredulity in his tone makes me throw my head back and laugh.

This is home.

And Gyeomie is slightly stiff and held-back in front of the others but his protective nature shines through despite it all and whilst JB oppa is the calming force to Gyeomie's fiery protectiveness- he is more than content to sit back and enjoy, leaning languidly against the wall.

"Well we should be going, but take care, have a good night sleep little one." Jin oppa steps forward first, hands coming to cup my cheeks, smiling down at me with soft eyes even as I flush under the intensity of his stare. His hands are slightly cool but still manage to make my cheeks warm and heat up under them and when he removes them, I feel their absence for a moment before he leans forward to press kisses to my cheeks, smiling when they curve up at the sweetness of his gesture.

And then Joon steps up, dimples poking out as he leans forward to press a kiss to my cheek- eyes twinkling and hand gentle yet firm when he gives me a squeeze. Hoseokie is next and his kisses are like butterflies- fluttery, light, and airy, lips brushing lightly against the tip of my nose, feathery as they skim over my cheeks. They're both ticklish and sweet and when they rouse a smile- fond and giddy, he shoots me a beaming smile- face alight.

Jungkook is next and he's adorably shy and slightly fumbling as he presses a kiss to the curve of my cheek, cheeks red but before he can step back I tiptoe to press a kiss to his cheek too, and this time we're both sporting matching flushes as he steps away but the smile he shoots me is so endearingly sweet and innocent that I find myself melting on the spot.

But when Taehyung steps forward, his eyes glitter dangerously but when he proffers his cheek to me with a boxy grin, I find that flutter in my stomach change for a different reason and I tiptoe upwards to comply, head tilted up slightly to reach his height. But then he bends as if to ease that gap but I'm startled when he ducks in to press a kiss to the corner of my mouth, skin tingling where his lips have just made contact with, warmth fanning out and I startle- the edge of his lips had been so tantalisingly close to mine and when he leans back there's a knowing twinkle in his eyes.

But Jimin doesn't let the shock of Taehyung's actions set in because he's nudging him out of the way with an exasperated roll of his eyes before smiling at me. And I become fixated with how his smile makes his cheeks bunch up with the curve of his lips and his eyes narrow slightly, the brown of them capturing mine. And slowly he captures my hand raising it slowly and brushes his lips against my knuckles in a soft caress, breath fanning across my digits. And I never knew how sensitive the skin of my fingers could feel, when a spark is set alight by the plump softness of his lips pressing gently against them.

I'm sure that I no longer sport a rosy shade but am now a bright red. And yet when Yoongi steps up, my breath catches- taking in the sight of his eyes narrowing- as if deep in thought but what shocks me the most is when his eyes seem to light up with a solution and without preamble he winds his arms around me and gently tugs me closer into a hug, embrace loose and comforting- the shape of his body so familiar against my own. My own arms rise up to reciprocate, and this hug is so familiar yet so different to one I've shared. It's the same person, the same act and yet this hug is tentative, hopeful, and new- a greeting, a whisper of hope and I melt into it. And when he pulls back, I don't think I imagine the regret in them. To part.

"Good night (Y/N)." he whispers, as if his words are solely for my ears only. And his arms come to fall by his side.

And just as I find myself lost and hopelessly enamoured by the seven of them; where the surroundings melt away and all I can focus on is their captivating presences- that piece of refuge and comfort is shattered by Gyeomie's drawling, bored voice.

"If you're done trying to woo my bloodmate in front of my very eyes, can we head to bed now. Mallow you coming?" he asks, and I realise blatantly late that Gyeomie had witnessed everything.

But there's no ire in his tone...more resignation.

And the others become slightly sheepish but the bright gleam doesn't fade from their eyes and when they turn to leave- their heads swivel over their shoulders and their hands wave eagerly.

I shut the apartment door, fingers lingering against the lock.

"Don't let me stop you chickie. Looks like you and Gyeomie have some catching up to do. You can fill us in at the nest during family dinner night." JB oppa teasingly calls as he steps forward.

I turn to see him turning Gyeomie's head towards him in a sweet, possessive kiss- tugging his younger mate into his arms as he whispers goodnight, hands firmly planted against his back as he pulls him into him. He parts their lips and turns to wink exaggeratedly at me.

"Should be dazed enough not to start shouting and freaking out." He stage whispers before hugging me and sliding out of the door too.

And then there was two.

Gyeomie and (Y/N). Inquisitive bloodmate and one who wanted to run.

So run I did.

----

I gasp breathlessly, hunched over and struggling futilely to escape Gyeomie's tight unrelenting grip as he holds me to him, fingers darting along my sides. I squirm away from the intruding limbs- giggling as he tickles me.

"You can't outrun a vampire. And you're not going to bed until you tell me everything." He says firmly before plopping down onto the sofa- arms firm around me- waiting for me to spill.

And when I recount the past few days Gyeomie proves to be the perfect audience- gasping at the right moments, squeezing me tight when I talk to him how I felt, complaining when I tell him how tired I'd become of waiting and then silent as I reach the end.

"So you bonded with Yoongi hyung then?" he asks in a subdued voice and I twist to face him, taking in the sombre expression.

"Yes I did. Gyeomie he deserves a second chance if you only knew..." I start but then he cuts me off with a pained voice.

"But what if he hurts you again? What if the others do? I can't keep seeing you in pain (Y/N)." he says.

I turn to draw his face to meet mine.

"Gyeomie I have to try though." I whisper.

His eyes flash red.

"How can you trust he's changed? How can you trust them not to go back to how they were?" he demands.

And I realise that I can't hide this from him- no matter how monumental, serious and grave this situation is- I can't keep it from him.

"Actually Gyeomie I can..." I start and then explain everything that Yoongi had talked to me about.

But rather than help ease his worry, it makes him grow more and more agitated and by the end of it- I doubt myself and my judgement for having told him, because he's shaking slightly and staring at me with disbelief and horror.

"You're not helping your case (Y/N). Oh gods do the hyungs know?" he demands and I wonder if he's talking about my mates or his coven. Maybe both.

And in this moment in time, I don't doubt the Im coven will find out and when they do- I don't think I'm ready for the storm that will come with  it.

KOOK POV:

When the next day dawns, I'm up and ready waiting at the table for the hyungs to slowly make their way through- breakfast ready and wriggling excitedly in my seat. 

The others make their way in, all of them making their way to kiss and hug me good morning before seating themselves down- beginning to pile food onto their plate.

"Aren't you eating Kook-ah?" Jin hyung and Tae hyung say at the same time, eyes narrowed onto my empty plate.

"I already ate. Just wanted to wish hyungs good morning before leaving." I said, sliding out of my chair and tucking it back in.

"Where to?" Hobi hyung asks after swallowing his mouthful of toast- head cocked and questioningly looking at me.

"To take (Y/N) to lessons. Hyungs should wake up quicker if you wanted to." I tease as the others begin to protest, eyes bugging out slightly- I laugh at the sight of incredulity, betrayal and the occasional pout dotted around.

"Bye hyungs, see you later." I wave to them, quickly pecking Yoongi hyung and Jiminie hyung's cheeks as they'd been seated either side. But as I turn to leave I'm surprised to feel a cool hand gripping my wrist and I turn to see Yoongi hyung getting to his feet too.

"I'll drive you." he mutters before tugging me with him, not waiting for a response. I can only laugh fondly and knowingly, allowing hyung to pull me out of the house- laughs and protests following us out.

Hyung is silent on the drive to her apartment save for the nervous tapping and drumming of his fingers against the steering wheel- after some time I reach out to cover one of his hands with my own, stilling the nervous fidget.

"Hyung don't stress. Treat her like you treated me when you began courting me." I suggest softly and then he turns to me in disbelief.

"Kookie when I first took you on a drive you bolted into your room when I suggested it and it took ages to convince you to come out." He says, throwing his hands in the air with exasperation.

But I can see the smile tugging at his lips at the memory and he's smiling when I begin laughing.

"Okay...I don't think she'll bolt. You don't need to worry about that." I say once my laughter has subsided slightly.

But the rest of the journey is passed in a lighter ambience and hyung doesn't look as stressed anymore. I'd consider it a personal success.

----

Hyung reaches out to snag my hand when I come around the car, tightly grasping it as we walk upto her apartment- each step making my soul and heart twist with excitement and anticipation. And when we finally stand in front of her door, and it's the sensation of butterflies swarming my stomach- a nervous fluttering sensation that grows as I reach out to knock on her door.

Inside the apartment I can hear the two of them bustle about and then a pair of footsteps growing closer to the door, but the slightly stomping quality and heavier quality to it tells me it's not (Y/N) but Yugyeom instead. And when he opens the door his smile fades slightly but he only sighs and turns to call over his shoulder.

"Mallow it's your mates." He hollers, but the words 'your mates' send a warm flooding sensation through me and soon enough the light quick patter of her footsteps alert me to her arrival.

"Jungkookie and Yoongi! What are you two doing here bright and early?" she asks, trying to dodge past Yugyeom's figure that blocks her ability and ease to get to us. I feel a flare of annoyance at him but try to push it down but then notice the intense look he's shooting Yoongi hyung- silent and contemplative.

"Here to pick you up. And maybe stop for a breakfast date if we have time!" I chirp, ignoring the way Yoongi hyung's head turns to silently question me- having caught me out for my lie.

"Sure I'd love to. Let me grab my bag." She says eagerly before rushing off.

There's a terse silence before Yugyeom speaks.

"Look I know you guys are adjusting to having an eighth mate but be gentle and kind and nothing less of courteous. I trust you won't break her heart." he says, voice soft but also questioning. Waiting for us to confirm it.

It doesn't take a moment of hesitation from either of us.

"Of course we will. She's our mate. We'll do anything and everything for her." Yoongi hyung asserts firmly.

And it seems like it's the right thing to say because Yugyeom sighs and stops blocking the doorway. His posture becomes less stiff and gentler- and when (Y/N) appears at the doorway he doesn't fuss and fret as much but steps aside with just a brief hug.

And his eyes are trusting as they watch us leave.

And I can read the request in them. The words unspoken but there.

I trust you to look after her.

And I have no intention of breaking that trust.

(THERE YOU GO! ENJOY! LET ME KNOW! AND NEXT CHAPTER WE'LL HAVE THEIR FIRST DATE- I NEVER EXPECTED KOOKIE TO BE THE ONE TO BE THE FIRST TO ASK OR TAKE HER ON A DATE BUT OUR SHY BABY IS FULL OF SURPRISES! AND YOONGI IS HERE TOO! LET ME KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS! AHH! I CAN'T WAIT TO GET TO THE FLUFF AND SWEETNESS AND BONDING AND THE DATE NEXT CHAPTER! STAY SAFE LOVES!)

Life will push us down, but we have to learn to be resilient and get back up. Life throws us curveballs; we'll learn to dodge them or at worst- anticipate them. Life is an obstacle course, and we'll learn how to get through it.

Borahae! 💜💜💜

PurpleQueenie <3